Six Reasons to Consider a Great Lakes Cruise

Why to consider a cruise in the Great Lakes region - Photo by Brooke Franco/Canva

Are you looking for a unique and port-intensive cruise while staying close to home? Consider a cruise that sails through the Great Lakes of North America. 

 

Great Lakes cruises typically run from May to September. Sailings commonly begin in larger cities, such as Toronto, Milwaukee, Cleveland, or Duluth, all of which are easily accessible to a major airport. 

On a Great Lakes cruise, you will visit cities, charming coastal towns, and destinations located across a combination of any of the five lakes. Itineraries typically stop in Ontario, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and other states or provinces bordering the Great Lakes. Among the highlights are port visits to Mackinac Island, Port Colborne (within driving distance of Niagara Falls), and stops along the way in Georgian Bay or Thunder Bay. Great Lakes cruises also typically include a visit to a larger city like Detroit, Cleveland, and even Chicago. 

There is quite a bit of an educational element involved with Great Lakes cruises, as the region is very historical and offers many opportunities for travelers to explore its diverse ecosystem. You won’t find mainstream cruise lines here, sailing mega-ships with waterslides and zip lines, so this is important to keep in mind as you consider whether this cruise region is for you.  

The big cruise operator for the Great Lakes is Viking Cruises, which positions its two expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, here for the summer season. Other smaller operators include Pearl Sea Cruises and St. Lawrence Cruise Line.  

Going on a cruise on the Great Lakes offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Here are eight reasons why cruisers should add this region to their must-travel list. 

1. Scenic Beauty 

Mackinac Island - Photo by Brooke Franco

The Great Lakes region is filled with natural beauty, offering picturesque landscapes, pristine waters, and diverse wildlife. A cruise in this area immerses travelers in the breathtaking scenery, with ever-changing vistas as your ship navigates the lakes. From Lake Superior's beaches to Lake Michigan's charming lighthouses, each day is sure to offer new sights and vistas to photograph.  

But it's not just the natural beauty that captivates passengers on a Great Lakes cruise. Along the way, these cruises visit charming ports of call, where passengers can disembark to explore historic towns and immerse themselves in the region's rich cultural heritage. 

Whether it's admiring the stunning architecture of cities like Detroit and Toronto or visiting a small coastal town like Alpena, Michigan, you are always a photo opp away from a lovely view on a Great Lakes cruise.

2. Opportunities for Historical & Scientific Exploration

Entrance to the Welland Canal / Toronto Skyline - Photos by Brooke Franco 

The Great Lakes have played a significant role in North American history, from early Indigenous settlements to European exploration and the development of trade routes. Cruising the lakes offers opportunities to visit historic ports, lighthouses, and museums, providing insights into the region's rich heritage.

On Viking Cruises’ ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris even have dedicated onboard programs to teach about and explore the Great Lakes. From guided shore excursions (like hikes and maritime exploration tours) to on-ship lectures about wildlife and historical topics, 

Viking is the real deal if you are looking for a cruise that focuses on learning about the Great Lakes. On each of its ships, Viking has a 36-person expedition team of visiting scientists who lead guests through research, deliver lectures, and conduct experiments in the ship’s dedicated Science Lab. 

3. Balance of Relaxation and Recreation

Alpena, Michigan / Niagra Falls - Photos by Brooke Franco

A cruise on the Great Lakes offers an outstanding balance of relaxation and recreation. For the most part, itineraries are port-intensive. However, you will have ample time to enjoy all the amenities of your ship. Whether you want to lounge on the deck, read a book, or enjoy time in your ship’s spa/fitness area, rest and relaxation can easily be enjoyed on a Great Lakes cruise. However, if you are looking for adventure and recreation, shore excursions like hiking, biking, or kayaking are in no short supply. 

 

4. Culinary Delights 

Great Lakes Lighthouse / Fudge Making in Mackinac Island - Photos by Brooke Franco

The Great Lakes region offers a bounty of culinary offerings, from fresh seafood to farm-to-table cuisine and local specialties. While in port, sample fish and regional delicacies like Deroit-style pizza or fudge from Mackinac Island. The Great Lakes is also home to its distinct wines and craft beers, such as the Great Lakes Brewing Co. or the numerous wineries in the Niagra Falls area. We recommend sampling all the food and beverages you can! 

5. Smaller Ships 

Viking Octantis - Photo by Brooke Franco

Although the Great Lakes are larger bodies of water, the transit between the lakes and into ports will only allow for ships up to a specific size to pass through. The Great Lakes cruises must transit through the Welland Canal en route to or from Toronto. Because of this, the large-sized cruise ships cannot operate in this region. It is primarily smaller craft or specially designed ships, like Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis

Smaller ships equal a smaller crew-to-passenger ratio, which means a higher level of service onboard. Since fewer passengers are onboard, there is less congestion in public areas, deck space, spa area, and less traffic getting on/off the ship during port days. Although there may be fewer bells and whistles on your ship, there will be plenty onboard to keep you happy and engaged. 

6. Likeminded Travelers

Exploring the Scenic Great Lakes - Photos by Brooke Franco

Many who choose to cruise the Great Lakes are like-minded travelers. They have either never visited this region and are curious about it or live in the Midwest or Southern Canada region and want to avoid venturing far from home but want a unique vacation.  

For the most part, you will find a more senior-aged crowd on Great Lakes cruises. Most travelers are very well-cruised and consider the Great Lakes a destination on their must-travel to-do list. 

Final Notes

Overall, a cruise on the Great Lakes offers a truly immersive and enriching experience. It combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities for an unforgettable journey.

If exploring scenic landscapes, historical sites, and charming port towns sounds like fun, this may be the cruise destination for you! 

Related:

Expedition Cruising on the Great Lakes with Viking

Viking Octantis Ship Review

How to Cruise Without Leaving the United States

Explore Great Lakes Itineraries from Viking Cruises

 

 

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